A Visit With Great Grandpa McKenzie

 I know it's a bit blurry, but it was our best shot, and it was so special to get a photo with my kids and my Grandfather.

Kamalu was loving my Step-Grandma, Fran, and she was loving him.

Great Grandpa was getting some snuggles in with the boys.

Keaka and Great Grandpa working on a puzzle together.  They both love their puzzles.

Leiahi was happy to snack on goldfish and watch with Mommy. 

Grandpa even stopped by while we were visiting.

More snuggles and smiles.

Great Grandpa gave Keaka one of his completed puzzles to bring home.  Keaka was so excited that he wouldn't put it down and fell asleep holding it.

It was a very special day with a lot of priceless memories.  What a joy to see Keaka and my Grandfather sit and share in an activity that they both enjoy so much.

The Circus Comes To Town!

The kids had a blast at the circus.

Keaka and Cousin Elise had fun on the Ponies.

We even got to see a few extended family members.

My (Melissa's) Aunt, Cousin and second Cousin.

I thought it was so sweet how they were sitting side by side enjoying the show.

Please note Leiahi's wallet tucked under her arm... precious.

Kamalu was obviously impressed by the experience.

Kamalu is 5 Months

He's scooting...

And "talking"...

And a total charmer.

Melt my heart.  I love this little guy.  What a blessing he is to our family.

Pick of the Patch

Before we even set off on this adventure I had made up my mind that we (meaning my mom, sister and all four kids under the age of four, and I) were going to find a strawberry patch and pick some strawberries. 

It was all part of my master plan to expose my kids to as many things "Michigan" as I could.  I had five weeks to show them what it was like to grow up in "The Great Outdoors", so we were GOING to pick some strawberries.

Kamalu was happy to come along. 

Though I am starting to feel like we are playing "Find Kamalu in a carrier" (Think Where's Waldo).

Now prepare yourself for some strawberry picking cuteness!

Free samples???

Meet cousin Elise.  She had free samples too.

Be still my stawberry pickin' heart.

Teamwork

The ever amazing Aunty Joanna joined us.

Success! 

Ono (Delicious)!

Orlando Overall

Orlando provided a great first taste of the Circuit Rider event, and we gained a lot personally from the sessions we attended.  Kumu and I were glad we would be at most of the locations for the summer, so we could continue to glean from the teachings and experience.  

June 3rd was our release date for the albums, and they came out with a bang.  The Circuit Rider EP, Fight For Every Soul, debuted among the top 100 Christian albums!  It has been an exciting opportunity to see people begin to listen and receive from the music that is getting released.  Hearts and lives are being changed for the Lord, and we are thrilled to be a witness to it.

Our time as a family was really refreshing as we changed gears from our every day lives, to our summer on the road.  It was encouraging to connect with friends and ministry partners alike.  The generosity of others continues to leave us in awe of God's provision for our family.

It was a season of learning again the power of simple obedience to the Lord.  All it takes is saying, "YES" and He will do the rest.

To all of our Floridian friends, A Hui Hou (Until we meet again).  Thank you for your kindness, friendship, and southern hospitality!

S'more Please

Keeping with my plan to show my kids some of my favorite things, we just had to have a bonfire!



Keaka was simply mesmorized.

He sat staring at the fire and finally announced, "Grandpa, that wood in the fire is what you cut up and stacked earlier. "

It is always fun to watch the wheels turn as he learns.



Aunty Joanna got in lots of good snuggles with sweet Kamaluhia.

No bonfire is complete withouth my personal favorite...

S'Mores!!!

Or as Keaka calls them,

 "Graham cracker, marshmallow sandwiches"

We had a good laugh at the gooey mess we made.

Keaka's first bonfire and S'More experience may have been one of my favorite memories from our time in Michigan. 



To Grandmother's House We Go

Ready or not, here comes flights number 4 & 5.  

It was my first experience flying alone with three children alone.  (Kumu had a few extra days in Orlando before heading to LA.)  Things went rather smoothly, but you will notice that there is no picture of flight 5.  

At least they saved the melt downs until the end.  

Keaka was so excited to get to Grandma & Grandpa's house to play with his cousin Elise.

These are the headphones you use when your Daddy is a recording engineer. .

Leiahi is absolutely lost in her video.

Sweet Kamalu was a champ, and flirted with everyone around us.

With over two weeks away from Kumu, we were glad to have time with Michigan family to look forward to.

A Day At Disney

While in Orlando, we were blessed with a free day at Walt Disney World!

This was such an exciting God provision... especially since Keaka was not convinced that we were actually in Orlando until he had personally met Mickey Mouse.

The kids were not sure what to do with themselves when they finally met Mickey and Minny.

.

Kamalu had fun at DW too!

We even got to fly with Dumbo... and the amazing Aunty Sarah.

God once again surpassed our expectations.  It is really special to have these fun memories be part of our Big Adventure.

Keaka Meets McQueen

Week 1 of our journey, and guess who else was in Orlando!?!

Lightning McQueen!!!

For those of you who know Keaka well, you realize these pictures are proof of a dream come true.

McQueen's good buddy, Mater, was there too.

As well as Finn McMissle!

While at Downtown Disney, we also had a little boat ride.  Can we say "EXCITED!"

Leiahi wasn't too sure.

Our amazing friend/nanny/hostess, Sarah.

Kamalu had funny too!

We even saw a plane sky writing "Trust Jesus" as we were leaving the park. 

It was a fun first week as a family.  We were grateful we had flown into town a few days early so we had an opportunity to adjust to the six hour time difference before the Circut Rider events began.  It was an unexpected bonus to meet our friend Lightning McQueen in person!